CHICAGO — Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, the influential civil rights leader who worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and twice sought the presidency, passed away Tuesday at the age of 84.
Family members confirmed Jackson’s death in an online statement, saying he died peacefully with loved ones by his side.
Jackson first gained prominence as a young activist in Chicago when King summoned him to the Lorraine Motel in Memphis just before the civil rights icon’s assassination. Following King’s death, Jackson stepped forward to carry on the movement’s mission.
Throughout his life, Jackson championed causes for marginalized communities both domestically and internationally, fighting for voting rights, employment opportunities, educational access, and healthcare reform. He achieved significant diplomatic breakthroughs with global leaders and used his Rainbow/PUSH Coalition to push corporate America toward greater diversity and fairness.
Jackson became famous for his empowering message delivered through a poem he frequently recited: “I am Somebody.” The verse continued: “I may be poor, but I am Somebody; I may be young; but I am Somebody; I may be on welfare, but I am Somebody.”
This philosophy reflected Jackson’s own journey from humble beginnings in the segregated South to becoming the nation’s most prominent civil rights figure following King’s legacy.
Even while battling serious health issues in recent years, including a neurological condition that impaired his movement and speech, Jackson remained active in protests against racial inequality during the Black Lives Matter era. As recently as 2024, he made public appearances at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and attended a City Council session supporting a ceasefire resolution in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Speaking to protesters in Minneapolis during the George Floyd case, Jackson said: “Even if we win, it’s relief, not victory. They’re still killing our people. Stop the violence, save the children. Keep hope alive.”
Jackson’s distinctive speaking style, rooted in Black church traditions, commanded audiences wherever he went. He was known for memorable phrases like “Hope not dope” and “If my mind can conceive it and my heart can believe it then I can achieve it.”
While Jackson faced criticism from some who viewed him as seeking publicity, he reflected on his life’s work in a 2011 interview with The Associated Press, expressing gratitude for continuing the work of previous leaders while paving the way for future generations.
“A part of our life’s work was to tear down walls and build bridges, and in a half century of work, we’ve basically torn down walls,” Jackson explained. “Sometimes when you tear down walls, you’re scarred by falling debris, but your mission is to open up holes so others behind you can run through.”
During his final months, Jackson required round-the-clock medical care and lost his ability to speak, instead communicating through hand squeezes with family and visitors.
His son, Jesse Jackson Jr., told the AP in October: “I get very emotional knowing that these speeches belong to the ages now.”
